The rushing waters of Neil's Creek flow past the back porch and into the beautiful South Toe River not far upstream. The South Toe River Valley is known for its arts, crafts, and pottery along with golfing, hiking, fishing, tubing, kayaking, and skiing.

Linville Caverns, North Carolina's only underground caverns, were carved by streams running under Linville Mountain. The cavern has a storied history as a hideout for robbers and Civil War deserters from both sides.

The Blue Ridge Parkway ambles through the mountains just south of the cabins. While locals will tell you that it isn't the quickest way to get anywhere, it is certainly the most beautiful.

Penland Art Center holds auctions featuring student and instructor work every other Thursday, all summer long.

Mt. Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River, is almost literally in the backyard.

Grandfather Mountain and Tweetsie Railroad are about an hour away, near Boone.

Nearby towns include Boone, Blowing Rock, Linville Falls, and Little Switzerland.